80th Anniversary Operation Union II

During World War II, a small operational detachment from the Office of Strategic Services parachuted behind enemy lines into the German-controlled French Alps to arm, train, and organize the French resistance fighters on August 1, 1944.

#Marine Maj. Peter Ortiz led the OSS team of five other Marines, an Army Air Corps Captain, and a French resistance fighter wearing a Marine Corps uniform.

The operation ultimately led to them being surrounded by German forces in the town of Centron, where the team willingly surrendered to save the local civilian population. Eighty years later, their actions are remembered by U.S. and French service members and civilians.

📷 Marine Sgt. Kedrick Schumacher and Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin